The Hidden Epidemic: Why Millions of Women Live with Undiagnosed or Mismanaged Hormone Disorders

An estimated one in ten women is affected by endometriosis. Polycystic ovary syndrome impacts up to ten percent of women worldwide. Many more experience ongoing symptoms tied to PMS, adenomyosis, and menopause. According to Dr. Jeffrey L. Brown, Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine, despite how common these conditions are, diagnosis is often delayed for years, resulting in women continuing to navigate fatigue, chronic pain, weight gain, and symptoms that disrupt their routines and limit how fully they are able to live.

Dr. Brown believes this gap between prevalence and diagnosis reflects a larger issue within women’s healthcare. “What many women are going through is being normalized,” he says. “But these symptoms are not something they are meant to just live with.”

In his work with patients, Dr. Brown says he frequently meets women who have spent years searching for answers. Many have been told that their lab results are within normal ranges, even as they continue to feel unwell. He explains that this disconnect often leads to frustration and uncertainty. “They know something is off, but they have not been given a clear explanation as to what or why,” he says.

This experience, he adds, is especially common across conditions like endometriosis, PMDD, and adenomyosis, where symptoms can vary widely and are not always captured through standard testing. As a result, women may move from one solution to another without seeing lasting improvement.

Dr. Brown points to a reliance on symptom-focused care as a key factor in this pattern. “Treatments like birth control and pain medication are often used to regulate cycles or reduce discomfort. These options do provide short-term relief, but they may not always address the underlying drivers of hormonal imbalance,” he explains. He adds that if the focus stays on managing symptoms, the root cause is often left unaddressed.

According to Dr. Brown, his approach starts with looking deeper into how the body is functioning as a whole. “The body is interconnected,” he says. “If you are not evaluating those connections, you are only seeing part of the picture. Hormones are closely connected to other systems, including gut health, immune response, and metabolic activity. Disruptions in these areas can influence hormonal balance in ways that are not always immediately visible.”

To better understand these underlying factors, Dr. Brown says he incorporates comprehensive specialty testing into his process. This includes advanced diagnostics such as saliva testing and stool analysis, with blood work used when necessary. These tools provide insight into hormone patterns, gut health, and potential sensitivities that may be contributing to ongoing symptoms.

“This type of testing can often reveal issues that traditional approaches may overlook,” he emphasizes. “Imbalances in the gut, for example, can affect how hormones are processed in the body. Food sensitivities or environmental triggers may also play a role in inflammation and overall hormonal disruption.”

Dr. Brown adds that each patient presents differently and that when there is more detailed information, a plan can be created that aligns with what the body needs. According to him, his virtual program combines clinical guidance with coaching support, allowing patients to better understand their results and take actionable steps toward improvement. “Understanding what is happening in your body changes how you approach your health,” he explains. “It gives you the ability to make decisions that lead to real progress.”

He notes that at Hormone Health with Dr. Brown, patients are guided through how different systems in the body interact and how targeted changes can support balance. This may include adjustments to nutrition, lifestyle, and other factors based on individual test findings.

Dr. Brown also highlights the importance of ongoing support. In addition to his role as a physician, patients work with a coach who helps them implement recommendations and stay consistent over time. He believes this structure allows for accountability while adapting the approach as needed.

“Women should not feel like they have to push through fatigue or pain just to get through the day,” he says. “Those are signals, and they deserve to be understood. When underlying imbalances are addressed, the impact often extends beyond physical symptoms. Improvements in energy, mood, and overall well-being can influence how women show up in their personal and professional lives.”

He believes his work is grounded in the idea that better answers are possible when the right questions are asked. Through a combination of advanced diagnostics, personalized care, and ongoing education, he aims to help women gain clarity around their health and a path forward that feels achievable.

He says, “The goal is to help women get back to feeling like themselves again. When you understand the reason behind your symptoms, you can begin to change the outcome.”